World's top once-in-a-lifetime trips

These 10 destinations mix the best of the world's ancient sites, stunning landscapes and luxury hideaways. Enjoy - you may only be able to visit once in your lifetime. By QMI Agency.

Machu Picchu, Peru: Not for the faint of heart, the approximately 40 km long Inca Trail is a hike like no other. Good physical shape is required for the trek, as the air is noticeably thinner and harder to breathe the higher you climb. The end reward is worth the effort - Machu Picchu is the greatest symbol of Incan culture and one of the New7Wonders of the World. (Shutterstock)

/

Great Wall of China: The Great Wall of China is broken into several areas, based on the ruling Dynasty that constructed the section, and a hike along any of them is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Hiking the complete 8,851.8 km length of the Wall, with some portions crumbling and not as well-maintained as others, is nearly impossible, so picking an area more suited to tourists and hiking from that area is advised. (Shutterstock)

/

Santorini, Greece: A Mediterranean cruise is one of the most delightful experiences you'll have on vacation - a stopover in the iconic seaside Santorini is the cherry on top. The blue-topped, white buildings of this Greek isle are instantly recognizable and are the perfect place for your cruise stopover. Whether you want to indulge in a little shopping and wine or visit ruins, volcanoes and other historical sites, this legendary isle is a once-in-a-lifetime destination. (Shutterstock)

/

Petra, Jordan: This ancient rose-coloured city was a capital in 6th century BC, but earthquakes and a lack of water lead to its downfall. Now, Petra is the most popular tourist attraction in Jordan. Accessible in 1.5 hours from Wadi Rum, Petra is a stunning example of ancient architecture and building techniques. (Shutterstock)

/

Blue Lagoon, Iceland: Located near the Icelandic town of Grindavik, the iconic Blue Lagoon natural heated springs in Iceland draw visitors from around the world to this remote location. The springs are renowned for their ability to soothe the skin, especially of psoriasis sufferers. The water remains a balmy 40 C through the year, making the Blue Lagoon the ultimate year-round destination. (MYRIAM LEFEBVRE/QMI Agency)

/

Trans-Siberian Railway: The longest train trip in the world, this epic rail journey connects Moscow with Vladivostok on the Sea of Japan, with routes also directed to Beijing, China and Mongolia. The trek takes time - it's 7 days direct between Moscow and Vladivostok on the 'Rossiya' train. (Shutterstock)

/

French Polynesia: If you crave a sun escape, a once-in-a-lifetime stay at the iconic overwater bungalows in Bora Bora and Tahiti is the ultimate in warm-weather fare. Situated on stilts over the turquoise lagoons of French Polynesia, these luxurious accommodations often offer overwater dining, private boat transport to your bungalow and lush, spacious rooms and furnishings. There are several chains and resorts to choose from when booking your bungalow stay, including Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora and Le Meridien Bora Bora. (Handout)

/

Panama Canal, Panama: Considered one of the world's modern architectural wonders by the American Society of Civil Engineers, the 77 km-long Panama Canal makes for a fascinating cruise or, for the more adventurous, kayak trip. See rainforest and learn about the Spanish history of Panama as you travel. (Robin Robinson/QMI Agency)

/

Mount Everest, Nepal: Climbing the world's tallest mountain certainly is the adventure of a lifetime. Most tourists choose to conquer the challenging Base Camp trek, which has a height of 5,364 metres. The base camp is a good place to rest and adjust to the thinner air before the most daring continue climbing the 8,848 metre-tall mountain. (STEPHEN RIPLEY/QMI Agency)

/

Easter Island, Chile: The mysterious moai that dot the coast of this island, located in the Pacific 3,510 km west of Chile, are the main draw to this far-flung destination. Easter Island is accessible by plane from Chile. The strange statues here, some of which are 10 metres tall, are reminders of ancestors lost and a culture that was destroyed by in-fighting and foreign disease. (STEPHEN RIPLEY/QMI Agency)